Carbon Offsets

Maybe a better title for 'carbon offsets' would be something like 'carbon set-aside and deal with it later.' It's nice that some countries are making an effort to appear more carbon neutral, but I don't believe that it effectively offsets there emissions. They are still emitting the same amount, and it seems like they are just procrastinating and trying to fluff things up. I'd like to see them take the money paid to achieve 'carbon offsets' and spend it in the effort to find more environmentally friendly ways to keep a country running.

The global crisis in diet

If I had all the resources, I don't know exactly how I would deal with the global crisis on diet... The huge separation between those who have plenty of food and those who don't is astounding. One start would be to burn all the junk food. Redirecting the resources away from food that's eaten strictly for the 'pleasure' of a sugar-rush, and toward foods that satisfy nutrient needs is crucial.

Vitamin C!!!

Who else read the article on intravenous vitamin C for 'terminal' cancer patients? This is something I've heard about for some time, and it seems that all evidence shows it being very effective. I guess it would be difficult for anybody to capitalize on vitamin c... so there's a lack of money, and even a strong interest from the 'cancer industry' to subdue such a simple and effective cure. If you haven't read it yet, check out the article towards the end of the week 9 packet. GO VITAMIN C!!!

New pill promises to reduce breast cancer risk

Although the mifepristone contraceptives may not have estrogen and may have a decreased risk of breast cancer, it is important to fully understand the other possible risks of this drug. As was shown in early studies, with a larger than normal dose their were extreme side-effects. This doesn't mean that it is surely harmful in more moderate doses, as their are many medicines( herbs and pharmaceutical/nutriceutical) that are toxic in high doses, yet safe in moderate dosage. It just means that we need to examine this drug thoroughly before recommending it to all the young women across the country(and world).

American Bison

There are many important issues facing this nation now, yet the issue of bringing back a sustainable population of American Bison IS a very important one. If we can help to bring the Native people's back to the great strength that they once had, we can begin to learn as a nation how they lived with such great wisdom and foresight. As people killed off the bison systematically, it seems they also killed off a connection of spirituality and understanding of the important connection with our environment. If we can bring back the bison, and the native people's connection to them can come together again, maybe we can all learn some lessons from their ancient wisdom and knowledge.

The deal that saved the whale

The deal that saved the whale, if it continues to work could also save the rest of the environment, including the local people. If the locals can hold on to their villas, they may find that they themselves can make a comfortable living by guiding ecologically friendly tours of the area, instead of selling their land to the outsiders who will then turn around and make a killing by destroying the land. It sounds like some of the local fishermen are already guiding 'eco-tourists' in the winter time, which is great. The same thing is happening in remote stretches of coastline of baja, such as the beautiful and isolated beaches of scorpion bay and Puntas Cobres. We see the same thing happening all over central america, where wealthy investors from the outside come in and take advantage of the poverty and lack of environmental regulations, paying the locals a tiny sum of money to then turn around and make a fortune destroying the indigenous character of these places. A friend of mine was just freed from a fourteen month stay in a deadly Nicaraguan prison after being framed for the murder of his ex-girlfriend. He founded and had been operating a bilingual news magazine based on the smart and eco/ local concious growth of central america, in particular Nicaragua. It has been suggested that people in the Nicaraguan gov't didn't like what he was doing involving conscious development and empowering the local people to make a decent living without having to sell out to developers. So this is a very tough situation indeed, and when gov't officials in these central american counties stand to make some money on the development, it can be quite dangerous for us to get involved. You can check out Eric's situation; www.friendsofericvolz.com

Can TCM strengthen our immune systems?

There's no doubt that TCM increases immune function, although it wouldn't really be seen as just strengthening the immune system. By restoring balance or keeping balance in the system, the immune system operates in a more effective manner. Through acupuncture, herbs and qigong it's also possible to clear toxic heat that may be associated with the pattern of disease. By living in harmony with the seasons and environment, we can be more in-tune with shifts and changes that may aggravate our immune systems.